If you want a one-stop shop for government reports try the BC Legislative Library catalogue.
Finding The Best Online Information Is Tough
In this section we have gathered some of the most reliable websites to use for you to use for your research.
Bookfinder
This is an online search engine for print books, featuring over 150 million books, and information on where they can be purchased. The site can be a helpful tool in locating specific titles for buyers, or for establishing prices for your inventory of used books.
Key Government Websites:
BC Stats | Current reports and statistics from British Columbia's central statistical agency including labour market information, economic statistics and bankruptcies. Start by searching their Industry section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.
Job Bank - Government of Canada
The leading source for labour market information. The site is designed to assist individuals who are searching for work or looking to make career decisions but can also be useful to gage employment trends in an industry. Try using their search portal to explore careers by occupation or review the latest job market trends in your industry.
The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.
Start here: Book Publishers
Start here: Retail Trade (publication)
Statistics Canada Data | Formerly known as CANSIM, Statistics Canada's key socioeconomic database is updated daily. It is free to search the data tables.
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Provides market research, industry statistics, licensing information for intellectual property, and information about doing business internationally. The Industry Canada site features interactive applications such as customizable trade reports, cost calculators, and online business planning guides. You can also search broad Canadian industry statistics.
Start here: Establishments - Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 45121)
Start here: Retail Revenues and Expenses - Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 45121)
WorkBC | Find current employment outlooks, labour market information, relevant links, and a geographic representation of the BC workforce. Start by searching your Industry Profile.
Start here: Industry Profile - Wholesale and Retail Trade
Start here: Occupation Profile - Retail Salesperson
Start here: Occupation Profile - Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers
Province of Alberta - Ministry of Labour
Provides information on economic development, labour, trades and apprenticeships as well as industry descriptions and data from the Province of Alberta.
Start here: Industry Profiles
Free US Industry Websites:
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Start here: Specialty Retail Profile
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Start here: Retail and Consumer Industry
You might want to jump ahead to the news websites listed in the next section of this Accelerator Guide for more resources. News websites can often be good sources of industry, competitive and consumer information.